Hatta DamHatta Dam

Dubai’s mountain enclave, reached by a road that turns from desert to rock in an hour.

Head east on the E44 past Al Awir. After Madam the dunes turn red, and then the road starts climbing into the Hajar foothills towards Hatta.

At the dam, the turquoise water sits between bare rock walls. Park at the top, walk the steps down to the edge and take in the view of the reservoir.

Our cars must stay in the UAE, so keep to the main Dubai–Hatta road and avoid any turn-off signed for Oman.